[PERSPECTIVE] ADC’s Recognition: A Turning Point For Opposition Politics In Osun

• By Matt Olu Olowokere

In recent weeks, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured a milestone that may reverberate beyond national politics and into the state-shores of Osun. When the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally recognised the David Mark-led national leadership of the party, it marked more than internal housekeeping: it opened a door for fragmented opposition forces to think differently, to regroup, and perhaps to chart a new course ahead of 2027.

For Osun State especially — where opposition politics has often been splintered, reactive and resource-thin — the timing of this recognition offers fresh potential. The ADC’s repositioning arrives at a moment when many Nigerians are questioning the monopoly of the two dominant parties and searching for credible alternatives. The recent official consolidation of the party structure gives dissenters a viable vehicle to consider: a party no longer in limbo, capable of absorbing disillusioned members from across the spectrum, and perhaps serving as a credible platform for a re-energised opposition at state level.

To understand why this matters for Osun, we must appreciate the state’s recent political texture. Elections here have tended to revolve around personalities rather than enduring platforms. Opposition parties in Osun have often lacked cohesion—they have contested with admirable effort, but with divided voices, limited coordination and little sustained strategy. The arrival of ADC’s national recognition invites a rethink: instead of separate parties chasing individual goals, there is the possibility of a more unified front under a single banner.

Indeed, the new ADC leadership has signalled openness to such an advance. With the former governor of Osun and current ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, on board, the party in Osun can claim local legitimacy. Aregbesola’s presence provides a bridge between national repositioning and Osun realities. The messaging is clear: the party is aiming to become the home for youth and women, valuing inclusion and unity rather than narrow sectional interests.

What then are the key opportunities this recognition brings for the Osun opposition? First, consolidation. If opposition voices in Osun—whether disaffected from the ruling side or from other smaller parties—see ADC as a credible home, they could converge. A unified list of candidates across constituencies, shared resources and a common narrative would strengthen electoral posture. Second, renewal. The ADC’s emphasis on youth, women and fresh ideas provides the chance to break the cycle of same-old faces and recycled issues in Osun. Third, strategic platforming. With a strong national recognition, the party in Osun may enjoy better visibility, access to national networks, increased donor-attention and improved organisational discipline—all of which matter in tight contests.

But for all the promise, obstacles remain—and Osun’s opposition must not assume the job is done. The national recognition of ADC does not automatically translate into local dominance. Internal dissension is still alive: factions of the party contest the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership, and legal challenges linger.  In Osun, the party must build credibility at grassroots level: establish local chapters, forge alliances with community leaders, and deliver a distinct message beyond just opposition to the ruling party. Otherwise it risks becoming another token change with little substance.

Moreover, the opposition’s unity in Osun must go beyond mere convenience. The alignment must be about shared values: about accountability, governance, transparent state systems—not just about winning offices. If ADC in Osun becomes a refuge for every dissatisfied politician without a coherent policy offering, the old pattern repeats. Therefore, the party needs to define a clear agenda for Osun State: how it plans to tackle youth unemployment, rural-urban imbalance, infrastructure deficits and the cracks in local governance. The national vision is helpful, but local translation is essential.

For the voters of Osun, the unfolding story matters. This moment offers a real chance to shift the script from predictable two-party rotation and entrenched patronage politics. If ADC can become the vehicle of a credible alternative—rooted in Osun’s realities, anchored in organisational discipline, and guided by a clear offer—then opposition politics in the state may at last get the coherence it has lacked.

To conclude: the INEC recognition of the ADC may well be a turning point for opposition politics in Osun State. But it will only fulfil its promise if local actors move with purpose, if the party builds its structures, crafts local resonance and resists the lure of short-term alignments. For the people of Osun, the coming months must not be about just changing logos—it must be about changing how politics works.

• Matt Olu OLOWOKERE is an engineer and political-culture commentator based in Osogbo. He writes regularly on governance, leadership and community change in Osun State.0

The opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the author. It does not represent the editorial position or opinion of OSUN DEFENDER.

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